A well-known local TikToker who promotes nightclubs and also owns a string of brand-name cafes, two owners of respective massage salons as well as two social media models-cum “influences” are among the 22 individuals arrested on Monday by Greek Police’s (EL.AS) major crimes unit throughout the greater Athens area in relation to an investigation into massive fraud targeting the country’s biggest social security and health fund (EFKA) and related tax evasion.
One of the individuals is described as a one-time reality television show participant.
The alleged scam, involving shell companies and fake invoices, reportedly cost the state nearly 34 million euros.
According to initial press reports, the modus operandi involves setting up shell companies that appear to employ wage-earners but that never pay required monthly social security contributions to EFKA. Along with the fake invoices, this resulted in damages amounting to 22 million, plus 11 million euros owed to the tax bureau.
The other arrested individuals include accountants, businesspeople and “straw men”.
